Emergency Dentistry – Crown Point & Whiting, IN
Relieving Your Pain & Restoring Your Smile
Dental emergencies can be painful and stressful to handle. That’s why we do our best to clear our schedule and provide same-day care to patients who contact our office with urgent problems. Without timely treatment, dental emergencies can put your oral health at risk and cause permanent damage. Some problems we can solve over the phone, while others may require an appointment. When you call our emergency dentist in Crown Point & Whiting, we’ll provide you with first-aid guidance while you’re on your way to our office. We’re more than happy to accept emergency dental patients of all ages!
Why Choose Berquist Family Dentistry for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
- Personalized, One-on-One Dentistry
- Flexible, Family-Friendly Scheduling
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
Handling a dental emergency can be stressful, but the good news is that our experienced team at Berquist Family Dentistry is here to help you through it. First, give our office a call. Our front desk team will help you determine whether you require same-day emergency dentistry and schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible if you do.
When you arrive, we’ll take any necessary diagnostic images and Dr. Jordan Berquist or Dr. Robert Berquist will examine the area of your mouth that’s causing you discomfort or trouble. Based on our team’s findings, we’ll discuss our diagnosis with you and any treatment recommendations we have. Our team wants you to feel comfortable and confident in your care as well, which is why we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies always seem to happen at the most inconvenient moments, which can make it hard to react quickly and efficiently to prevent further oral damage from occurring. The shock of the situation can have you stumbling around and not thinking straight, which is why we’ve provided some basic tips for a variety of problems you may run into.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies
Every dental emergency is different, which makes it impossible to name a single price. Depending on the situation you find yourself in and what type of treatment you need, the cost of your visit can vary. At Berquist Family Dentistry, we accept a wide range of payment options and will gladly answer any questions you have about your insurance benefits, so don’t hesitate to contact our office!
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why it’s important to be prepared for them. You can reduce your chances of experiencing an emergency and protect your smile by following these helpful tips:
- Wear a mouthguard while playing any contact sports or hobbies.
- Protect your teeth from grinding with a nightguard.
- Keep up with your dental hygiene routine.
- Visit us for your checkups and cleanings every six months.
If you have any questions about how you can protect your mouth, ask us during your next checkup and cleaning! Our team will be more than happy to give you the tools you need to keep your natural smile bright and healthy for years to come.
Protect Your Teeth from Damage
Believe it or not, there are several things you can do to protect your smile from damage, like wearing an athletic mouthguard if you play sports. This provides a protective barrier for your teeth, soft tissues, and even your jaw in the event there’s impact to your mouth or face. Studies have shown that an athletic mouthguard can also lessen the severity of a concussion in some instances.
A mouthguard can also be used to protect your teeth from the pressure of bruxism. The strain from grinding and clenching your teeth can lead to breaks, fractures, and loose teeth. A nightguard creates a cushion between the upper and lower teeth to preserve your smile.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Many dental emergencies result from issues that could have been prevented, like tooth decay. You can promote a cavity-free smile by maintaining your oral hygiene at home. It’s best to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each session. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget to use a high-quality dental floss to clean in between each tooth before going to bed.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Many dental emergencies are the result of an untreated issue, like a small cavity that has progressed to an infection deep within the tooth. You can ensure nothing goes undetected by visiting your dentist at least every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Your dental hygienist will remove harmful buildup that can lead to concern between your appointments. Your dentist will also monitor your oral health. This prevents them from worsening to stop them from turning into a big problem when you least expect it.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Your diet is important for more than just a trim waistline. It’s also essential for a healthy smile. It’s best to eat a balanced diet that’s limited in sugars and starches. If you can’t ignore your sweet tooth, it’s OK to give in occasionally; however, be sure to brush your teeth well afterward. If you can’t get to your toothbrush, rinse your mouth with water.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Should I go to the emergency room or the dentist?
When the unexpected strikes, your first instinct might be to head to the hospital for quick care. Although the emergency department can provide you with antibiotics and pain relievers, they can’t treat the underlying issue, like a knocked-out tooth or an infection. Instead, it’s always best to visit your emergency dentist whenever possible, unless you’re experiencing a medical concern. Your dentist will identify and address the underlying problem to restore a healthy, functional smile.
Can I wait to see my emergency dentist?
No one has the time in their day for an unplanned trip to the dentist. It’s tempting to wait to see your dentist until you have more flexibility in your schedule, but that might cost you your tooth. Instead, it’s best to see your emergency dentist in Whiting right away. We know your time is valuable, which is why our dental practice provides convenient office hours and the latest technologies to streamline your care.
Do I need to have my tooth extracted?
If a problematic tooth is giving you grief, extracting it might seem like the simple solution. Although it eliminates the issue at the source, it opens the door to a new list of complications associated with tooth loss. Every tooth is invaluable to your dental health. If even one is missing, you’ll have a heightened risk of cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. Not to mention, you’ll need to invest in a prosthetic tooth to fill the empty space.
You can avoid the complications of tooth loss by preserving your smile. We will explain your treatment options to save your tooth. If there isn’t any viable solution to restore its health, such as from a significant break, we may recommend an extraction. Don’t worry, we’ll explain your replacement options, like using a dental implant.
Can I use my dental insurance?
Although every policy differs, most dental insurances offer coverage for emergency situations, like a toothache or lost restoration. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your insurance carrier, so you have one less thing to worry about. They will file the necessary claim forms to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket by maximizing your annual benefits. If there’s any remaining balance, we will help you find the solutions you need to restore a healthy smile without breaking the bank, like third-party financing.
